Top Tips for Making a Small Space Seem Larger

Even if you dream of owning a home with lots of big rooms, it’s often not what you can afford until much later in life. Indeed, many homeowners start their non-rental journeys in small apartments or condos, where space is a premium, and clever tricks must be employed to maximize the small space available and trick the eye into believing there are more square feet than there really is. Luckily, it’s quite easy to do so.

If you’ve just bought your first, or second, home and need to learn some top tips for making a small space feel roomier, keep reading on.

Use mirrors

Hanging mirrors, or using mirror-plated objects, in a room is a fantastic and easy way to bounce light around and create a visual effect of a larger, more airy space. You should look, particularly, to walls that face windows or enjoy an abundance of natural light — the trick here is to use the light, as well as the room’s reflection, to extend the sense of space.

You should, however, avoid mirrors that are very dark in frame color, such as made of black steel or chrome, as these will feel heavy in the room and detract from the result you are trying to achieve. Vintage or ornate mirrors should be fine if used judiciously, but remember that the impact of one large mirror will be greater than a collection of smaller ones. The latter will simply create clutter on your walls.

Avoid dark colored walls

When it comes to wall decoration, nothing is more important than paint colors. If you’re looking to create an airiness and visually denote spaciousness, then it’s recommended to use light colors such as white, cream or hues with a slight hint of color. Having said that, bright tones can also work, depending on the size and shape of the room, and what plans you have for furniture and furnishings within it.

If you’re unsure, always request a test sample of the paint colors to take home. Apply the paint to many pieces of A4 paper and stick these to the wall, to give you an idea of what the finished wall would look like. Many people simply do patch tests, but in smaller spaces, you’d be better off seeing a trial that’s closer to the real outcome, so proceed with a bigger test to help you make a decision.

Make use of windows

Expansive windows are a blessing in small spaces for a number of reasons, but chiefly because of the amount of light they bring in. As such, you should ensure you don’t do anything to block your windows. This is where custom window treatments or blinds that don’t overpower the frames, are a perfect choice.

If your budget permits, you may want to add glass doors into your property, leading out to your yard, or building a balcony on the side. This will flood your space with a great deal more natural light, further illuminating the space and making it feel larger.

De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter

As I expressed in our last post, the importance of removing clutter from small spaces cannot be underplayed; the quickest way to make a room feel small is by having too many belongings on display.

If you can, take a day to go through all the books, DVDs, ornaments and other objects you own. Begin by adopting a firm approach to deciding which you can donate to charity or sell them. If you can’t bring yourself to part with them — and you needn’t part with everything — then consider some smart storage solutions to keep them hidden from view. Consult a local cabinet craftsman or search online to see other bespoke storage solutions for small homes.

Steer clear of bulky furniture

Furniture can truly make or break a room’s aesthetic. In your small space, it’s vital that you choose furniture that’s streamlined and well-proportioned to the room’s dimensions. You should also consider the best placement for your furniture, or whether you need it in the room at all.

All About Interiors has the ability to customize furniture. You’ll find many adaptable furniture options which can be altered if needed. Extendable dining tables or modular sofas which can be broken down and reset to match demand would work. It may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes placing a couch in the middle of a sitting room can create a greater sense of space than having it against a wall. You could invest in a wall-mounted screen, freeing you up to organize the room in any way you wish.

You can contact our interior design firm in Farmington CT to help you maximize your room dimensions and focal points. The designer will be able to help you create a visually appealing space for your small room. You can easily sell your old furniture and make some extra money, too.

Introduce wall art to blank walls

Art can be a wonderful addition to any room if the right piece is selected. Once again, in small space avoid anything too dark or overwhelming. High-resolution photographic wall art, featuring an open landscape or seascape, can draw the eye towards the vista. This will trick the viewer into thinking the room is larger than it is.

There are many suppliers of large-scale wall art, simply search online to find a design that works for you.

Knock down walls for open plan living

It’s an option that isn’t always available to everyone. However, demolishing any non-supporting or structural walls can be trans formative within a smaller apartment or condo space. If you aren’t trained in structural engineering or architecture, you should use the services of a professional Connecticut contractor to help you ascertain whether your internal walls are load-bearing or not.

Open plan living works particularly well between kitchen and living space. If you are keen entertainers who often have friends and family over for dinner, this will work best for you. Opening this space up will give you a roomier kitchen and living area.

Everyone starts small

For now, you may be trying to adapt your first home to accommodate the life you want to lead. By following any of the above tips and tricks, you should create a home space that feels light, airy and larger than its blueprint would suggest.

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